Cat behavior can be complex and not always easy for humans to interpret. While cats can be independent, loving companions, they can also exhibit behaviors that indicate dislike or fear. This article will identify some common signs that a cat may not like someone, reasons why, and what can be done about it.
Cats communicate how they are feeling through subtle body language and behaviors. While they may not express affection in the same ways as dogs, when a cat dislikes a person, they tend to make it fairly clear. Understanding the signs of feline discontentment and the underlying causes can help strengthen the bond between cats and their human families.
Avoiding Interaction
Cats that don’t like a particular person will often avoid interacting with them whenever possible. This can involve hiding whenever that person enters the room or quickly running away if they try to approach the cat. According to one Quora user, cats tend to ignore and not make eye contact with people they dislike, which signals to the human “I’m not looking for trouble, we can mutually avoid each other” [1].
Avoidance is one of the clearest signs that a cat does not like someone. The cat will act startled or scared when the disliked person enters the room and immediately look for an escape route. This could mean running under the bed, hiding in a closet, jumping up to a high perch, or even darting quickly out of the room. The cat may also avoid being in the same room as the person altogether if possible. Overall, this avoidance behavior stems from the cat perceiving the person as threatening or unsafe in some way.
Aggressive behaviors
When cats feel threatened or dislike a person, they may display aggressive behaviors like hissing, growling, swatting, and biting to signal their displeasure (Aggression in Cats – ASPCA). Hissing and growling are warning sounds that communicate a cat’s hostility and signal an impending attack if the perceived threat doesn’t retreat.
Swatting with their paws and biting are physical aggressive behaviors cats use to defend themselves from something they strongly dislike. The aggressiveness can range from inhibited bites that don’t break skin to full attacks (Feline Behavior Problems: Aggression – Cornell University). Severe and unusual aggression like this often indicates an underlying medical issue or extreme stress, so it’s important to consult a vet.
Body language signs
A cat’s body language can reveal a lot about how they are feeling, including when they dislike someone. Here are some key body language signs to look for:
Ears back against the head is a common sign a cat is feeling irritated, angry, or threatened. The ears flatten to the side or backwards as a warning sign. According to PureWow, ears back demonstrates a cat is being defensive.
Dilated pupils or eyes opened wide can signal fear, aggression, or overstimulation. A stressed cat may have fully dilated pupils as part of the “fight or flight” response. Staring with dilated pupils is often a warning sign before an attack.
Tail swishing or thrashing back and forth rapidly can indicate irritation, anger, or overstimulation. As Tuft + Paw explains, an angry swishing tail precedes aggression or attack in many cases.
Excessive grooming
Cats may excessively groom themselves when stressed or anxious around a person. This obsessive over-grooming behavior is known as psychogenic alopecia or feline hyperesthesia syndrome. It involves the cat compulsively licking, chewing, or pulling out their fur far beyond their normal grooming needs. According to the MSPCA, psychogenic alopecia is a stress-related disorder where cats suddenly cannot stop grooming themselves. The repetitive motion releases endorphins that provide comfort during times of distress.
As explained by Zoetis Petcare, any source of stress can lead to overgrooming behavior in cats. A cat that dislikes a person may excessively groom when that person is present as a way to soothe its anxiety. Common areas for overgrooming include the belly, legs, back, and base of the tail. This can result in bald patches, irritation, scabs, and skin infection if not addressed.
To curb overgrooming, it’s important to identify and remove the source of stress. For a cat stressed by a certain individual, limiting interactions may be necessary. Providing environmental enrichment and outlets for energy can also help reduce anxiety levels. In extreme cases, medication may be prescribed by a vet to control obsessive grooming behavior.
House soiling
One common sign a cat dislikes you is inappropriate urination and defecation, especially in areas where the disliked person spends time. According to Southpoint Pets, when a cat starts urinating outside of the litter box, it’s important to rule out medical issues first. However, if medical causes are ruled out, the inappropriate urination or defecation may be a sign your cat is anxious, stressed, or upset with a particular person.
As explained by the RSPCA Knowledgebase, cats may urinate on laundry, beds, furniture, and other areas a disliked human frequents to spread their scent and mark their territory. This territorial behavior communicates the cat’s dislike and discomfort with that person. The cat may intentionally avoid using the litter box and eliminate on the disliked person’s belongings or in high-traffic areas they spend time in.
Excessive meowing/yowling
Meowing and yowling is one way some cats communicate their dislike of a person. Cats are very vocal animals, and normally use meows to solicit attention, food or care from their owners. However, cats may vocalize more frequently or intensely around someone they dislike. This excessive vocalization can indicate irritation, fear or stress in the cat’s presence.
According to one expert, “There may be multiple reasons your cat is walking around meowing, ranging from serious to just wanting some attention.” Some key reasons a cat may meow more around a certain person include:1
- Demands for food or attention
- Stress about environmental changes
- Pain or illness
- Cognitive dysfunction in older cats
- Anxiety from seeing an unliked or threatening person
If your cat seems to meow excessively every time a certain person is around, they may be communicating fear, anxiety or stress specifically related to that individual. It’s important to identify and address the root cause of their vocal displeasure.
Reasons for dislike
There are several potential reasons why a cat may dislike a specific person, even if they seem friendly to others. Some common causes include:
Past negative interactions
Cats can hold grudges, especially if someone has scared, hurt, or stressed them in the past. Even if it was unintentional, a cat may continue to associate that person with fear or pain and act defensively towards them as a result (Source).
Lack of socialization
Kittens that are not properly socialized during their first 2-7 weeks may grow up fearful and distrusting of unfamiliar people. If they were not exposed to a wide variety of people in a positive way early on, they may single certain individuals out as “threatening” (Source).
Stress triggers
Loud voices, fast movements, direct eye contact, chasing, and other behaviors can stress some cats out. If a person consistently does things the cat finds alarming, the cat may come to dislike being around that individual.
What to do
If your cat seems to dislike you, there are some tips and tricks you can try to get them to come around. According to experts, a slow introduction is key when getting to know a new cat. Let them approach you first and get used to your presence before attempting to pet them (Source). Offer treats or play with toys to establish positive associations. Create a calming environment by using pheromone diffusers and providing hiding spots around your home.
Try to identify and address any stressors that may be causing your cat discomfort. For example, limiting loud noises, introducing new people/pets slowly, and sticking to a routine can help reduce anxiety. Reward desired behaviors like approaching you voluntarily or purring in your presence. Be patient and move at your cat’s pace when attempting to bond. With time and the right techniques, it’s often possible to turn a frightened or aloof cat into an affectionate companion.
When to seek help
If your cat’s behavior is extreme or potentially dangerous, it’s important to seek help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Some signs that professional assistance may be needed include:
[According to https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-behavior-problems-554077]
Aggression that results in bites or scratches, especially unprovoked attacks.
[Based on https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/common-cat-behavior-problems/]
Marking around the house with urine and stools, especially if your cat was previously housetrained.
Excessive vocalization day and night that is disruptive to your household.
[As stated on https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/behavior-of-cats/behavior-problems-in-cats]
Destructive behaviors like chewing electrical cords, drapes, or furniture that could be dangerous.
A professional can help determine if there is an underlying medical issue causing the behavior. They can also design an effective behavior modification plan that is safe and tailored to your cat’s needs.
